Far-right violence and terrorism – March 2025

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Introduction

In March 2025, the global landscape was marked by an alarming presence of terrorism and extremism linked to extreme right-wing ideologies. This analysis underscores the paramount significance of this issue in the contemporary world order.

Terrorism and extremism, irrespective of their ideological roots, have long posed a grave threat to international peace and security. Recent times, however, have witnessed a distinct shift in this threat landscape. The ascent of extreme right-wing terrorism has introduced a new layer of complexity to the global security equation.

This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of extreme right-wing extremism in March 2025, offering insights into its evolution and current manifestations. By dissecting the trends, causative factors, and ramifications of this phenomenon, our objective is to foster awareness and inform policymaking while promoting international collaboration to counter this growing menace.

FRANCE

Investigations Launched into Anti-Semitic Incidents at French Universities

French authorities have launched investigations into a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents at several universities, including students performing Nazi salutes and shouting pro-Hitler slogans. Since January 30, at least five such events have been reported, prompting the Ministry of Higher Education and the judiciary to initiate formal inquiries. The incidents, which occurred at institutions such as Sciences Po Paris and universities in Strasbourg and Lyon, have alarmed both the academic community and government officials due to their explicitly hateful nature and historical connotations.

Minister of Higher Education condemned the incidents as “intolerable” and pledged that the state would hold perpetrators accountable (1). These acts coincide with a broader uptick in anti-Semitism in France, especially in the context of heightened tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for “a Republican awakening” against hate, while university administrators have promised increased vigilance and disciplinary actions.

Seven Croatian Fans Arrested for Nazi Salutes During Match in Paris

During a UEFA Nations League match between France and Croatia on March 23, at the Stade de France, seven Croatian supporters were arrested for performing Nazi salutes. According to French police reports, around 300 Croatian fans marched to the stadium chanting patriotic slogans, making Nazi gestures, and setting off smoke bombs. Inside the venue, several fans repeated the salutes during Croatia’s national anthem and the first half of the match. Flares and firecrackers were also ignited in the Croatian fan section.

Paris police prefect Laurent Nuñez strongly condemned the actions, stating, “Sport is and must remain a celebration,” and emphasized that “these individuals have no place in a sports setting” (2). Authorities have launched an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. The incidents have drawn widespread condemnation from both sports organizations and human rights groups, who demand stricter enforcement against hate symbols in public events.

UNITED KINGDOM

UK Men Accused of Planning Race War and Terrorist Attacks on Mosques and Synagogues

Three men accused of preparing terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues in the UK believed that a race war was imminent, Sheffield Crown Court has heard. Christopher Ringrose (34), Marco Pitzettu (25), and Brogan Stewart (25) are alleged to be right-wing extremists who admired Adolf Hitler, espoused white supremacist ideologies, and glorified mass killers who targeted Black and Muslim communities. The prosecution described the men as self-declared National Socialists who were acquiring weapons, including swords, crossbows, axes, and even attempting to create a 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm. Prosecutor Jonathan Sandiford KC told the jury that the group was making concrete plans to attack minority communities and that their ideology was rooted in racial hatred and Nazi sympathies (3).

According to the prosecution, the three men formed a group in January 2024 with other extremists and began preparing for violent acts. Undercover officers infiltrated the group and raised the alarm when discussions and planning escalated, leading to the men’s arrests in February 2024 due to the perceived risk of an imminent attack. The defendants are charged with preparing acts of terrorism and collecting information useful for terrorist purposes. Mr. Ringrose also faces an additional charge of manufacturing a prohibited weapon. All three deny the charges. The case underscores the persistent threat of violent right-wing extremism and the role of law enforcement in preemptively disrupting potential attacks. The trial continues.

AUSTRALIA

Google AI Tool Flagged for Terrorism-Related Content in Over 250 Global Reports

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has revealed that Google received 258 global user reports between April 2023 and February 2024 concerning the use of its AI tool, Gemini, to generate content related to terrorism and violent extremism. An additional 86 reports involved the creation of child sexual abuse material using the same technology. The report underscores growing international concern about the misuse of AI tools to create and spread harmful and illegal content online, including the spread of extreme right violent ideologies (4).

Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized the urgent need for tech companies to implement safeguards in AI products to prevent the generation of dangerous material. While Google has taken steps to detect and remove content that violates its policies, the report highlights failures in identifying manipulated or altered extremist content. The findings call for stronger, proactive measures from digital platforms to monitor AI use and ensure robust content moderation strategies are in place.

AUSTRIA

Israeli Student Fined for Performing Nazi Salute at Auschwitz

During a school trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, a 17-year-old Israeli student was detained and fined for performing a Nazi salute at the camp’s entrance. The incident occurred when museum guards observed the student making the gesture near the infamous “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”) sign. Polish authorities charged the student with publicly promoting Nazi ideology, an act illegal in Poland and punishable by up to two years in prison. The student admitted to the offense and accepted a fine of approximately €350 (5).

The Israeli Ministry of Education condemned the act, labeling it “unacceptable and completely contrary to the values of Israeli education and the significance of the trip to Poland.” Similarly, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum described the behavior as “deeply offensive and morally reprehensible.” This incident highlights the importance of respectful conduct at historical sites commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. ​

UNITED STATES

Buffalo Mass Shooter Sentenced to Life After Racially Motivated Attack

Payton Gendron, the white supremacist responsible for the 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The 19-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder and domestic terrorism motivated by hate, after killing 10 Black individuals and injuring three others at a Tops supermarket. The attack, meticulously planned and livestreamed online, was carried out with the explicit intent to target the Black community, and Gendron admitted to harboring racist and antisemitic beliefs (6).

The shooter, who had written a manifesto filled with white nationalist ideology, traveled several hours from his home to commit the massacre in a predominantly Black neighborhood. The federal government is pursuing separate hate crime and terrorism charges, which could potentially lead to the death penalty. Survivors and families of the victims delivered powerful impact statements during sentencing, denouncing the ideologies behind the attack and demanding justice and change.

White Supremacist Group RAM Convicted for Riot-Related Violence in California

The white supremacist group Rise Above Movement (RAM), based in Southern California, has been convicted for its involvement in violent clashes at political rallies. Known for promoting white nationalist ideology and training members in hand-to-hand combat, RAM members participated in organized assaults during demonstrations in places like Charlottesville and Berkeley. The group positioned itself as a “fight club” for extremists and used street violence as a tool for spreading its message.

The recent conviction follows years of legal battles involving the group’s leaders and members, some of whom have already served prison sentences. Authorities have long tracked RAM’s activities, highlighting their pattern of inciting chaos and targeting protesters and minorities. This case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on extremist groups that use political events as platforms for hate-driven violence (7).

CAIR Condemns White Supremacist Activities in South Carolina and Kentucky

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has issued a strong condemnation of recent white supremacist activities in the United States. In South Carolina, a white supremacist event took place, while in Kentucky, Ku Klux Klan (KKK) propaganda was distributed, urging immigrants to “leave now.” These incidents have raised significant concern among civil rights organizations and local communities (8).​

In Kentucky, racist flyers depicting Uncle Sam expelling a family of immigrants were distributed, containing messages that encouraged the monitoring and reporting of immigrants. Local authorities, including the Ludlow Police Department, have denounced these materials as “disturbing and disgusting,” emphasizing that such hateful propaganda does not represent their communities and will not be tolerated. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible and to determine potential criminal charges. ​

Ohio Residents Form Armed Patrols Following Neo-Nazi Demonstration

In Lincoln Heights, Ohio, community members have initiated armed patrols in response to a recent neo-Nazi demonstration that left residents feeling vulnerable and frustrated with law enforcement’s handling of the event. The demonstration, which took place earlier this month, involved masked individuals displaying white supremacist symbols and chanting racist slogans. Video footage showing local police appearing to shield the demonstrators from counter-protesters has intensified community concerns and criticism (9). ​

The formation of these civilian patrols has led to multiple 911 calls and heightened unease within the community. While residents assert their right to protect their neighborhood, local authorities are concerned about the potential for escalation and are urging dialogue to address safety and community relations. This development underscores the growing tensions in communities facing the resurgence of extremist groups and highlights the challenges in balancing public safety with civil liberties.

White Supremacist Flyers with Hate Speech Found in Trumbull County

Residents of Trumbull County, Ohio, have discovered white supremacist flyers posted along State Route 88 near Mosquito Lake. The flyers, bearing messages such as “STOP White replacement” and “White Lives Matter,” were affixed to road signs and included QR codes linking to online chat rooms filled with racist content advocating for the preservation of the “Aryan race” (10). This incident mirrors a similar occurrence five months prior, when the white supremacist group Patriot Front distributed comparable materials on the campus of Youngstown State University.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources promptly removed the offensive signage. Annette McCoy, President of the Trumbull NAACP, expressed deep concern over the escalation of such hate-driven activities, attributing them to the current political climate and national discourse. The NAACP has committed to further investigations to explore potential legal actions against those responsible. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any direct threats to local law enforcement agencies

Fugitive Linked to White Supremacist Gang Arrested After Multi-Agency Operation in Utah

A fugitive connected to a white supremacist gang was arrested in Bluffdale, Utah, after Taylorsville police tracked him from a Salt Lake City apartment believed to contain stolen firearms. The suspect, Michael Barney, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants, fled the apartment with two accomplices before officers could execute a search warrant. Authorities monitored the vehicle by air, eventually arresting the driver after deploying a spike strip near a Bluffdale hotel where Barney and another accomplice had been dropped off.

After securing a warrant, officers entered the hotel and arrested Barney and the second accomplice without incident following negotiations. Inside the hotel room, police discovered materials for a clandestine drug lab, a stolen firearm, and drug paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the Salt Lake City apartment uncovered another firearm, fentanyl, marijuana, methamphetamine, and additional drug lab equipment. While officials confirmed Barney’s alleged affiliation with a white supremacist gang, further details about the gang and the second accomplice were not released (11).

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in March 2025

In March 2025, 11 incidents related to right-wing extremist violence were reported across seven countries. This marks a slight decrease compared to the 13 incidents recorded in February 2025. Despite the reduction, the incidents remain concentrated primarily in the common areas of the United States, Europe, and Australia, indicating that the most affected regions remain consistent, albeit with a more widespread distribution.

The United States continues to be the most affected country, with six incidents, reflecting the entrenched presence of far-right extremism and the ongoing security challenges it faces. Meanwhile, France, Austria, and the UK reported several incidents, highlighting the persistence of extremist threats in Western Europe. Australia, which was previously a key hotspot, also saw an incident this month, maintaining its status as a country of concern.

Although the overall number of incidents has decreased, the concentration of incidents in common areas reinforces the need to continue with international cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and localized counter-extremism efforts. The trend of transnational radicalization and ideological spread remains concerning, as it shows that the challenge is no longer limited to a few key regions but is becoming a more decentralized threat affecting multiple countries.

In March 2025, incidents linked to right-wing extremism primarily involved incitement to violence, threats, trials, and arrests. While acts of direct violence were not reported, the persistence of extremist rhetoric and intimidation tactics continued to shape the landscape of far-right activity. Incitement to violence and threats remained significant, highlighting the ongoing efforts of extremist groups to influence and radicalize individuals through propaganda and online platforms.

Trials and arrests also remained prominent, reflecting the continued legal and judicial efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and dismantle extremist networks. These institutional responses underscore the role of the legal system in addressing the far-right threat, as governments and law enforcement continue to monitor and intervene in the activities of these groups. The continued presence of incitement and threats, alongside legal actions, demonstrates that the danger posed by right-wing extremism persists, requiring sustained vigilance and effective counter-extremism measures.

In March 2025, the ideological landscape of right-wing extremism saw a decrease in diversification compared to February, with a clear focus on the most prominent ideologies: White Supremacy, Neo-Nazism, and an increasing rise in nationalism, particularly White Nationalism. These ideologies continued to dominate the far-right movements, with a marked concentration on ideologies that promote racial superiority and the preservation of a perceived “pure” national identity.

White supremacy and Neo-Nazism maintained their central position within the extremist narrative, with groups leveraging historical fascist imagery and symbols to recruit and radicalize followers. These ideologies remain closely linked to online radicalization, where hate speech and propaganda spread rapidly. In parallel, white nationalism has gained increasing prominence, reflecting growing fears around cultural and demographic changes. This ideology focuses heavily on preserving the racial and cultural makeup of a nation, often fueled by anti-immigration rhetoric and exclusionary nationalist policies.

Other ideological drivers, such as anti-immigration sentiments, still played a role, but their prominence was secondary to the dominance of White Nationalism and Neo-Nazism. This consolidation around a few key ideologies underscores a more focused and potentially more dangerous threat, as these movements intensify their efforts to recruit, radicalize, and mobilize followers in both online and offline spaces.

References

ABC4 News. B. Jennings. “Wanted Fugitive White Supremacist.” https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/wanted-fugitive-white-supremacist/ .

Al Jazeera. A. Fisher. “KKK’s Angry Voices Drowned Out at S. Carolina Rally.” https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2015/7/19/kkks-angry-voices-drowned-out-at-s-carolina-rally.

BBC News. “Anti-Semitism at French Universities under Scrutiny.” https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxnygl5qgxo.

Bet. T. Germain. “Ohio Residents, Former Armed Patrol, Neo-Nazis Demonstration.” https://www.bet.com/article/dlij9m/ohio-residents-former-armed-patrol-neo-nazis-demonstration.

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). “CAIR Condemns White Supremacist Event in South Carolina, Distribution of KKK Propaganda in Kentucky.” https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-white-supremacist-event-in-south-carolina-distribution-of-kkk-propaganda-in-kentucky/.

Euronews. O. Al Yahyai.  “Siete hinchas croatas detenidos por hacer saludos nazis en un partido en París.” https://es.euronews.com/2025/03/24/siete-hinchas-croatas-detenidos-por-hacer-saludos-nazis-en-un-partido-en-paris.

Le Monde Chrisafis. Angelique. “Nazi Salutes and Anti-Semitism under Investigation at French Universities.” https://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2025/03/05/nazi-salutes-and-anti-semitism-under-investigation-at-french-universities_6738848_7.html.

Los Angeles Times. B. Mejia. “White Supremacist Group Rioting.” LA Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-06/white-supremacist-group-rioting.

Meganoticias. CDMX. “Detenido el responsable de matar 10 personas en Búfalo.” https://www.meganoticias.mx/index.php/guaymas/noticia/detenido-el-responsable-de-matar-10-personas-en-bufalo/328674.

Swissinfo. “Australia dice que Google recibió 258 denuncias de uso de IA para contenido terrorista.” https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/australia-dice-que-google-recibi%C3%B3-258-denuncias-de-uso-de-ia-para-contenido-terrorista/88970803.

Swissinfo. “Un estudiante israelí detenido y multado en Auschwitz por realizar el saludo nazi.” https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/un-estudiante-israel%C3%AD-detenido-y-multado-en-auschwitz-por-realizar-el-saludo-nazi/88986958

WFMJ. S. Canty. “White Supremacists Posting Fliers with Hate Speech in Trumbull County.” https://www.wfmj.com/story/52530283/white-supremacists-posting-fliers-with-hate-speech-in-trumbull-county.